The Sigma 50mm would probably actually be my 'choice' if I was forced to choose. I'd go to a local bricks and mortar shop where I could try before I buy (the actual lens) - and I would use a shop that has a good return policy.

But in reality, I'm waiting for a new Canon 50mm USM, hopefully at f/1.4, but I will consider even if it's a f/2, and even if it has STM focus (rather than true USM).

IS would be an additional bonus (not quite an essential for me, but definitely a plus if IQ is still great wide open).

The new Canon 35mm f/2 IS USM is 'promising' - in that, I hope Canon keep the same format / standard in developing / producing a similar 50mm!

Cheers

Paul

I'm pretty much in the same boat, I've had numerous 50mm lenses, three 50mm f/1.4's and at least 6 f/1.8's. I had one older 50mm f/1.8 MK I that was really good, the rest of them were fine, but not outstanding.Last week, I sold all three of my remaining ones, two 1.4's and a 1.8 MK I. I decided to order a 24-70MK II after holding out for quite a while.

50mm just does not seem to be a focal length that works for me.

« Last Edit: March 26, 2013, 11:47:48 PM by Mt Spokane Photography »

Logged

canon rumors FORUM

I have a Sigma 50mm f/1.4...on a FF body. Is it perfect...no...but from a price/ performance standpoint it is the best choice for an AF standard lens for a FF body for my needs. The Canon f/1.4 has its own focus issues, too, which no one has mentioned so far.I just put the lens on the camera and shoot...I don't sit around and fuss with it. It makes great images! And you can pick one up for $450 right now.Pretty sad that the choices are kind of shabby for Canon FF users for a standard prime. The Canon situation in this Dept is embarrassing as far as I am concerned.Perhaps Sigma will make a 50 f/1.4 lens for its new Art Line Lenses. I would like to see that....but their current 50mm is just fine with me....

I've been shooting with the 50 f/1.4 for a long time now, and I still do not know what people mean when they say the AF is not reliable.

I haven't looked at the Zeiss yet.

IF you drop it while the lens is focused on something close that that lip sticks out, it moves the gears off its track and it is screwy thereafter. So I never take off the hard plastic hood.

Same as saying - this car is not reliable, it breaks when you drive it into a wall. - Isn't it photographer's fault? I've never dropped a lens, or a baby, or a cup of hot coffee/tea. Phone?- sure! many times (no damage though). You just have to be extra careful with some things more than others. I see how careless people are with their gear while showing off on youtube. They drop it. They rub the table with their camera LCD while attaching a lens. They throw it around with caps taken off letting dust and stuff to get inside. They don't keep it clean, it's always covered with dust. They focus manually a non-FTM lens while it is in AF mode. ... all kinds of careless behavior ... and then they complain about something. It's kind of funny to watch .

Canon will be updating the 50 and maybe the 85 like they did with the 24, 28, and 35. Unknown what the final aperture will be on the new lenses but the build quality will most definitely improve. Now, while waiting for a current 50mm to be built for EF, why not consider getting a 40 f/2.8 STM? Image quality is excellent and the lens is very inexpensive.

Canon will be updating the 50 and maybe the 85 like they did with the 24, 28, and 35. Unknown what the final aperture will be on the new lenses but the build quality will most definitely improve. Now, while waiting for a current 50mm to be built for EF, why not consider getting a 40 f/2.8 STM? Image quality is excellent and the lens is very inexpensive.

yes, I am considering it even if I don't like how it fits on the camera I'll wait the new release and then judge my best option!

I have Sigma 50mm F1.4. The AFMA for this lens was 13 when I just bought it. I believe it would be a problem if I used it on a body has no AFMA feature. With AF adjustment, the lens is perfect. Few months ago I sent it back to Sigma maintenance center to adjust AF. I received the lens in two weeks with a perfect AF adjustment. The AFMA setting for this lens now is 0.My points are:If your camera body has AFMA feature, you don't need to worry about the AF issue.If your camera body has no AFMA feature and you don't mind to send the lens back to Sigma maintenance center, the AF issue of this lens is also not an issue for you.Otherwise, Canon 50mm F1.4 might be a better choice.

I've used both the Sigma and Canon ver. of the 50mm 1.4. The Canon is definitely consistent and efficient. If a shot wasn't quite in focus, it was probably my own faut and not the lens'. But image quality and sharpness... the Sigma is way better; unfortunately, I think some of you would agree that the Sigma is a hit and miss. Sigma doesn't do a great job with quality control. Some people get front or back focusing issues, especially when you shoot anything below ~f/2.8. I ended up with a bad copy and I still have not sent it in to get it fixed or replaced. It is more expensive but I would definitely go for the sigma if I could test a few before I buy one.

I have Sigma 50mm F1.4. The AFMA for this lens was 13 when I just bought it. I believe it would be a problem if I used it on a body has no AFMA feature. With AF adjustment, the lens is perfect. Few months ago I sent it back to Sigma maintenance center to adjust AF. I received the lens in two weeks with a perfect AF adjustment. The AFMA setting for this lens now is 0.My points are:If your camera body has AFMA feature, you don't need to worry about the AF issue.If your camera body has no AFMA feature and you don't mind to send the lens back to Sigma maintenance center, the AF issue of this lens is also not an issue for you.Otherwise, Canon 50mm F1.4 might be a better choice.

Unfortunately AFMA is not that simple for this lens. Some of the lenses exhibit "schitzophrenic" AF.See Roger's Take here:http://www.lensrentals.com/rent/canon/lenses/normal-range/sigma-50mm-f1.4-dg-hsm-for-canonIf you AFMA one of the lenses that exhibit this characteristic...you will throw the focus out at one end or the other.He is a very reliable source and I am sure he has handled many of these lenses....his word weighs heavy for me.That being said...I have a Sigma and have not really had a consistent focus problem. I get mostly keeper.Really love the lens, especially considering what my other choices are for AF lenses.

canon rumors FORUM

I have shot with Canon 50mm 1.4, Sigma 50mm 1.4 and the Canon 50mm 1.2 and can say that the latter two are in a different league. I was disappointed with the canon 1.4 from many perspectives. If you have the money, the best solution is the Canon 1.2...it just has some extra contrast and color...aka "pop"...to the photos but the Sigma is a solid performer.

Have had a Sigma 50mm 1.4 for several years now and always had problems with it on my 50d. Despite tweaking the AFMA I could never seem to get it right and the autofocus would simply miss at anything wider than f2.

On my (still new to me) 5Diii it's night and day. Adjusted the AFMA and have been shooting away since with great results. I have shot several weddings now with the lens (didn't dare use it for weddings before) and have had good success with both servo and one shot autofocus.

I second the notion that sigma update the 50mm 1.4 to join the art line, the 35mm 1.4 has gotten great reviews!

I have Sigma 50mm F1.4. The AFMA for this lens was 13 when I just bought it. I believe it would be a problem if I used it on a body has no AFMA feature. With AF adjustment, the lens is perfect. Few months ago I sent it back to Sigma maintenance center to adjust AF. I received the lens in two weeks with a perfect AF adjustment. The AFMA setting for this lens now is 0.My points are:If your camera body has AFMA feature, you don't need to worry about the AF issue.If your camera body has no AFMA feature and you don't mind to send the lens back to Sigma maintenance center, the AF issue of this lens is also not an issue for you.Otherwise, Canon 50mm F1.4 might be a better choice.

Unfortunately AFMA is not that simple for this lens. Some of the lenses exhibit "schitzophrenic" AF.See Roger's Take here:http://www.lensrentals.com/rent/canon/lenses/normal-range/sigma-50mm-f1.4-dg-hsm-for-canonIf you AFMA one of the lenses that exhibit this characteristic...you will throw the focus out at one end or the other.He is a very reliable source and I am sure he has handled many of these lenses....his word weighs heavy for me.That being said...I have a Sigma and have not really had a consistent focus problem. I get mostly keeper.Really love the lens, especially considering what my other choices are for AF lenses.

I heard that before I purchased Sigma 50mm F1.4. However, I also read some comments from other websites about the improvement of this lens for its new version from 2011. Some people mention that the new version has much better QC and improved AF. That's why I decided to give it a try last year. I thought the worth case was returning the lens. Fortunately I gave it a try. The lens is excellent and I am very happy with it.